Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: January-March | Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 215-218
A Survey to Determine the Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Their Determinants in Children in the Age Group of 0 to 5 Years in Nerul, Navi Mumbai
Keerthika Ranji1, Syed Zubair Ahmed2
1Associate Professor, TMV’s Lokmanya Medical College of Physiotherapy
2Associate Professor, Royal College of Physiotherapy
Corresponding Author: Keerthika Ranji
ABSTRACT
Respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in the age group of 0 to 5 years. Many infants suffer from respiratory ailments in the first year of life which if left untreated can cause long term implications. Poor functioning of the lungs hampers the participation in physical activities and sports thereby affecting the normal growth and development of the child. Thus the overall quality of life of the child is impaired. Better awareness among parents, teachers and caregivers will go a long way in preventing frequent illness due to respiratory infections in the age group of 0 to 5 years. This survey was conducted using a pre designed questionnaire in a locality consisting of a population belonging to mixed socioeconomic levels. From the study we conclude that respiratory infections are a common occurrence in the age group of 0 to 5 years and several contributing factors if identified early can prevent respiratory illness in this age group.
Keywords: acute respiratory infections, socioeconomic status, childhood allergies.